Organised crime and modern slavery response

The story so far

A Ministerial Advisory Group on organised crime recommended appointing a single minister to lead the fight, arguing that the current lack of accountability has caused inconsistency and that organised crime is now a primary national security threat.^{10 Sep 2025} Its final report, delivered to Associate Police Minister Casey Costello, recommends a three-year trial of a new structure under a dedicated minister for organised crime.^{30 Sep 2025} A separate report said poor information sharing between government agencies and the private sector is a major barrier to tackling organised crime, and proposed a data network and updated privacy laws to allow sharing with businesses and Pacific countries.^{15 Aug 2025} Immigration New Zealand investigators recommended a police-led unit to combat people trafficking and transnational crime, saying current responses are ad hoc and staff currently handle both investigations and victim support.^{29 Sep 2025} In early October, an anti-trafficking expert suggested there may be 8000 modern slavery victims in New Zealand, disputing lower figures.^{4 Oct 2025}

Latest

An anti-trafficking expert estimated there may be 8000 modern slavery victims in New Zealand, disputing lower figures.^{4 Oct 2025} The minister responsible for fighting organised crime said stronger action is required to improve the country's response to human trafficking.^{4 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 Aug 2025Report says poor information sharing hinders the fight against organised crime.
2. 10 Sep 2025Advisory group recommends appointing a single minister to oversee organised crime.
3. 29 Sep 2025Immigration investigators call for a police-led anti-trafficking unit.
4. 30 Sep 2025Final report recommends three-year trial under a dedicated organised crime minister.
5. 4 Oct 2025Expert estimates 8000 modern slavery victims, disputing lower official figures.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.